[Harp-L] Twilight zone harmonica

[JOSEPH LEONE]

> On 08/11/2025 2:26 AM EDT Randy Singer <randy at xxxxx> wrote:
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> Lately I’ve been binging on the twilight zone original series and I’ve been finding lots of beautiful harmonica gems

You're not an orphan Randy (harmonica handy). The wife and I found a channel that gives you the entire 30 min episodes without interruptions. Actually 25 min. of program and then 5 min of commercial. These days the timing is more like 16 2/3 program and 13 1/3 commercial. Aaaargh.  
> 
> In particular, I would call your attention to this particular episode. It’s fascinating how the HARMONICA enharmonically fits in fit everywhere perfectly orchestrated with the soundtrack.  Absolute genius chromatic playing very unique.
> 
> 
> In the Twilight Zone episode “The Last Rites of Jeff Myrtlebank” (Season 3, Episode 23, originally aired February 23, 1962), the harmonica soundtrack was provided by Tommy Morgan, a highly regarded and prolific session harmonica player. He composed the music for the episode and lent it that slightly quirky, memorable harmonica score 

Takes me back about 25 years when, on slidemeister, we were talking about another episode: Somerset Frisbee. Everyone wanted to know how Frisbee got that terrible dischord? Simple. Just take the mouthpiece off of a chromatic and run it through your mouth from hi to lo tones.

You can also do it lo to hi, BUT be careful not to catch the right corner of your mouth on the slide return spring. Ouch.

So, meanwhile, over the many years I had always considered mister Morgan a 'schmaltz' or 'mood' player. I had never heard anything difficult nor fast. 
THEN I saw a video of him with Michael Burton and Danny Wilson playing on a Norwegian cruise ship. He did the usual fast/difficult classical stuff that trios used to perform. It was stunning.

I walked away with a new respect for the man. Not that I didn't have a TON to begin with. A true harmonica treasure. rip mr. Morgan.
 
Joe Leone
p.s. Still have Harmonica Dfreams. One of my only CDs where ALL 12 tunes are great.
> 
> 
> 
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